A good journalist, like a good person, is one who can admit their mistakes. One who gives credit to others, even competitors. One who writes well, presents all sides of the story, really cares about getting things right. It’s a quality called integrity. It means the journalist cares more about the truth than about their ego, and shoulders their responsibility to their readers without flinching.
Pierre Hébert is just such a journalist, such a person. I’m sure you know he is the directeur général (Rédaction) of the Journal régional Le Haut-Saint-François.
And now he is retiring. I don’t want to say good-bye! But I do want to say a heartfelt «thank you,» both from my vantage point, and on behalf of all the readers of the Journal. Pierre has been the guiding star of this important newspaper for decades, so much a part of the community that we take it for granted…and maybe its editor, too.
But we should never do that. Newspapers, small and large, have been collapsing across the landscape at an alarming rate. Many communities no longer hear about their histories-in-the-making, their personalities, and their happenings because their local papers have died. Wikipedia lists 758 newspapers who have ceased publication in Canada over the years. It lists 71 in Quebec, of which 56 ceased publication since 2008.
(Yes, I know, social media. But that’s a story for another time because I want to get back to my topic at hand: What a debt of gratitude we owe Pierre Hébert!)
Pierre has judiciously guided the Journal through these stormy waters, with vibrant print and online editions. He has safeguarded and nourished this newspaper for all Haut-Saint-Franciscans. It is OUR paper, not owned by a distant «landlord.»
From my vantage point, Pierre has been a delight to work for. He’s direct, clear, kind and considerate. He’s been a dream boss.
I began this column in January 2010, after Colin Grimson retired «Colin’s Column.» Colin gave me a call, I wrote Pierre a letter of application, and «Rachel Writes» was born. It’s a column in English within a newspaper in French; a rare thing these days. Thank you, Pierre, for reaching out to the English-speaking minority in the Haut-Saint-François.
Pierre, we congratulate you on a significant career. You have made a difference for the better in our region! We―I―will miss you in these pages, and hope your years ahead will be a joyful journey.
Enjoy the holidays, Pierre! And everyone!
CHRISTMAS CONCERT
A Christmas Concert in Cookshire: The Espace cultural Cookshire-Eaton presents a trio in song, harp, and violin, by a youthful trio, Jacqueline Woodley, Juliette Duguay Patenaude, and Ryan Shao. It is on Sunday, December 17, at 3 p.m. at the Trinity United Church, 190 Principale W., Cookshire. Tickets for adults are $20; for children, free. Purchase yours at www.lepointdevente.com.
SMALL ART
The exhibition of small artworks, suitable for a really nifty gifts, continues until January 3 at the Cookshire-Eaton Art Gallery, 125 Principale West. Works by no less than 19 artists are on display. Among them are names we recognize: Robert Peloquin, Yong Souk Kim Lambert, John Ward, Denis Palmer, Louis Pierre Bougie, and Gregoire Ferland, to name a few. The Gallery is open Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m.; visits at other times are possible by appointment. Contact: galeriecookshireeaton@gmail.com.
SMALL BOOKS
A Townships Holiday Book Fest is planned for Sunday, December 10, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Amédée-Beaudoin Community Centre, 10 Samuel-Grantham, Lennoxville. Part of the Townships Sun’s 50th Anniversary celebrations, the Book Fest is a chance to discover more than 25 Townships writers and their books in English, including two from the Haut-Saint-François: Ann Rothfels, with her new children’s book, Many Lifetimes, and Denis Palmer, with his book of artwork and text, Homages.
The day will also feature a series of 15-minute readings, panels, videos, and music. Free pancakes are on from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and tea and treats throughout the day. Partnering organizations include Townshippers’ Association, English Language Arts Network, and Quebec Writers’ Federation. Admission is free, and all are welcome. Just come!
WRITE FOR RIGHTS
Amnesty International’s Write for Rights campaign will be at the December 10th Book Fest. Stop by UUEstrie’s Write for Rights table, and be part of the world’s largest human rights event! I’ll be there.
CHURCHES
Anglican. News regarding St. Peter’s Anglican Church, 45 Principale West, Cookshire: No services. To see where services might be in the deanery, check the schedule at deaneryofstfrancis.com/calendar/. Info: 819-887-6802, or quebec.anglican.ca.
United. Upcoming Holiday services are December 10, Sunday of Joy, 9:30 a.m. at Trinity United Church (Cookshire), and 11 a.m. at Sawyerville United Church. On December 17, Sunday of Love, is at 9:30 a.m., Trinity United Church (Cookshire), at 11 a.m. at Sawyerville United Church, and at 2:30 p.m. at the Wales Home in Richmond.
On December 20 is a Blue Christmas Service at 7 p.m. at the Sawyerville United Church. On December 21 is a service at 10:30 a.m. at the Saint Francis Manor in Lennoxville, and a 3 p.m. service at Grace Village in Huntingville. On December 24 is a Christmas Eve Service with Communion at 7 p.m. at the Trinity United Church (Cookshire). (No service on December 25.)
On December 31 is a «Goodbye 2023/Hello 2024» New Year’s Service at 9:30 a.m. at the Trinity United Church (Cookshire), and at 11 a.m. at the Sawyerville United Church. Info: 819-889-2838. For pastoral care, call Rev. Spires at 819-452-3685.
Baptist. On December 24 is a bilingual service at 10:30 a.m., and a Christmas Eve service in English at 7 p.m. On December 31 is a bilingual service at 10:30 a.m. Other Sundays, services are in French at 9 a.m. and in English at 11 a.m. All are at the Sawyerville Baptist Church, 33 rue de Cookshire. For information, please contact Pastor Michel Houle at 819-889-2819.
Do you have news to share? Call 819-640-1340 or email rawrites@gmail.com by December 11 for publication January 3.